5 Key Credentials for Choosing the Right Builder — Benson Homes

Loving the idea of a home remodel?

It’s an exciting time – and sometimes a daunting one. Sure, popular HGTV shows demolish, polish and give homes a significant “glow up” in a matter of minutes. But those who’ve encountered even the most basic home remodeling projects know there’s far more to the industry than DIY projects, shiplap and granite countertops.

Home building and remodeling requires an extensive process of creative planning, design, and a high-level of expertise on safe practices, business, energy efficiency, and more.

How a remodeler assesses the state of your current home, their skills in project management and finances can make or break your remodel (and your subsequent budget). 

Here are a few designations to look out for when searching for a top-tier builder in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  

Graduate Master Builder

The Graduate Master Builder (GMB) is a designation given to builders who complete a series of courses where they must display not only an advanced knowledge of the building process, but advanced skills in risk management, financial management, and project management.  

Builders are only eligible for this designation after possessing a Certified Graduate Builders (CGB) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation with five years of building experience or complete the CCB or CGR-approved courses with 10 years of building experience. 

Certified Graduate Remodeler

This designation emphasizes a remodeler’s professionalism, and trains them up in important business skillsets like accounting, contract law and job cost procedures. Remodelers with this designation must have at least five years’ experience before applying for their CGR.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist 

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is reserved for professional remodelers who have undergone extensive training in providing home modifications for those who wish to remain in their homes as they age.

CAPS-certified remodelers are trained in identifying adjustments for homeowners as they age to make their homes more accessible, like the installation of ramps, medical alert systems, and stair lifts.

Certified Green Professional

This designation is reserved for builders who emphasize sustainable building methods into homes that improve energy flow, water efficiency and other “green” efficiencies. Remodelers with this designation are trained to both save costs and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable building practices 

EPA Lead-Safe Certification

This certification is a requirement for those who come into contact with or alter surfaces that were painted prior to the year 1978. This training helps remodelers know how to properly prevent the exposure of lead dust or other harmful hazards on a job site; keeping both their team and their clients safe from harm.

It’s worth the time and effort to make sure the team you decide to work with in your next remodeling project has both the creative flourish, the professionalism, and the safety wherewithal to complete the task at hand.

Are you ready to love your home and work with award-winning Virginia Beach kitchen and bath remodeling experts? Start your project today — send us an email or give us a call to get started.

Sources: 
https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/graduate-master-builder-gmb
https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/certified-graduate-remodeler-CGR
https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist-CAPS
https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/certified-green-professional-cgp
https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program-contractors#1